Structural and process parameters and operation principles of a precision watering device to be used on seeds during the sowing

Abstract

Abstract The objective of the research is in providing justification to application of precision watering technology with intermittent stream under pressure that falls onto a seedbed when sowing various crops. A possibility to precisely regulate the dose of water or solution under pressure determines its efficient and uniform use together with arrangement for independent operation of equipment. The paper details the mechanism, algorithm and method of operation, as well as gives conclusions on its use. Field experience is provided from studying germination rate and yield of garden beet with stream subsurface watering simultaneous with sowing. Increased concentration were considered for watering the seedbed, from 0.05 to 0.3% in five variants (0.05, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0%) with the sixth variant being the control without subsurface watering. It has been established that when changing the solution concentration from 0.05 to 0.3%, yield and field germination rate on average increased by 18.2% and 14.1 % respectively through the years of the research. Application of the sowing machine facilitates shortening of the sowing-sprouts period, optimizing the operation of the agricultural machine.